Can Plane Live Up To Gerard Butler's Incredible Reputation?

Gerard Butler is a name that's been around the block more than a few times. From the fantasy war movie '300' to the animated 'How to Train Your Dragon' franchise and everything in between, what started as a law career before transitioning into an incredible acting career has seen Butler dominate Hollywood.

Now, there's a new one to add to the rapidly growing list, with the action movie 'Plane' the latest notch Gerard Butler has on his belt. Can 'Plane' live up to Gerard Butler's incredible reputation? It certainly looks that way, as fans and critics have a lot to say about his latest starring role.

Plane is far more than the classic, simple movie

For years, movies have followed the same cookie-cutter outline that sees typical storylines through simply named movies that leave little to the imagination. Just because 'Plane' is a plain and simple title doesn't mean the film leaves us wanting more. Sure, we have Gerard Butler on a plane - and yes, he's the pilot - and sure, there might be a criminal who gets caught up in it all, but this is far from a B-grade production that will be forgotten as soon as it has its five minutes in the limelight. Instead, it takes the action movies we're so used to seeing and adds something special.

Gerard Butler plays Captain Brodie Torrance in the film

Playing the broken-down dad with a chip on his shoulder is none other than Gerard Butler, who is tasked with bringing Captain Brodie Torrance to life in 'Plane.' The team is meant to be flying from Singapore to Tokyo on New Year's Eve, but there are several issues. For one, criminal Louis Gaspare (played by Mike Colter) is onboard. Then there's the fact that bad weather means that the plane should be making a diversion, only for the executive in charge of the airline to force Brodie and the passengers through the eye of the storm to save on fuel costs. The problem? Not taking the long way around means the storm knocks the plane around like it's nothing - and that's where the action really begins.

Landing on a remote island sees Plane take unexpected turns

Of course, it wouldn't be an action movie without some twists and turns, and it's not long before the leading plane crash lands on a remote island after a lightning strike from the storm shorts the plane's electrical system. Brodie successfully makes the emergency landing. The problem? Now all 14 passengers are stranded on Jolo, a remote island found in the Philippines, which just so happens to be run by a group of separatist renegades. Of course it is. Just when it looks as though 'Plane' is set to become a typical action film, it takes turns that see it evolve into a buddy thriller with splashes of kidnap-escape storylines scattered throughout. Thankfully, switching genres so much means that none outstay their welcome in 'Plane,' adding to the edge-of-your-seat viewing so many come to expect from Gerard Butler flicks.

Gerard Butler's heartwarming personality shines through

Being 53 years old means that Gerard Butler has more than a few years of acting under his belt and has learned just when he needs to let his personality shine through into his characters. 'Plane' is no exception, with scenes like Brodie talking to his on-screen daughter (played by Haleigh Hekking) offering a chance to see Butler's warm and fuzzy side. Then come the times' Butler can inject a little comedic relief into tense scenes throughout the movie, such as when he's trying to contact a company operator only for the woman on the phone to assume Brodie is a prank caller.

Plane still has plenty of action throughout

Even when it seems things are going to plan in 'Plane' and everyone is about to be rescued, we're given the hard-hitting action scenes that so many of us come to expect. The airline company can't simply fly in and save the passengers - thanks to the island run by rebels - meaning Brodie is forced to team up with criminal Louis Gaspare if they stand a chance of making it out alive. Rather than give in to the ransom the islanders are demanding, you can expect to see plenty of explosions, fist fights, and a whole host of extreme piloting skills that only Gerard Butler could pull off with ease.

Can 'Plane' live up to Gerard Butler's incredible reputation? It sure can. While it might be another action movie to hit the big screen, 'Plane' takes the ideas and storylines we have seen so many times and does something new for the perfect final piece.